Assessing the full Rangers deal for Mats Zuccarello

By Anthony Scultore |

Feb 23, 2019

Zuccarello at informal skate (NYR Twitter)

The trade just went down and the news of a conditional 2nd round pick and 3rd round pick was underwhelming. Now we have the full context of the trade and it is certainly more palatable.

Here’s the deal:

Zuccarello off to DAL, pending trade call, in exchange for 2nd round pick in 2019 and third round pick in 2020. The 2nd rounder becomes a first if DAL wins two playoff rounds. The 3rd becomes a first if DAL re-signs Zuccarello. https://t.co/umLH9n0IIQ
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 24, 2019

Rangers are retaining 30 percent of Zuccarello salary in trade with Dallas
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 24, 2019

When you look at the conditions set in the deal you start to understand why Gorton would make such a move. It should also be noted that the 2020 draft is widely considered a deep and talented one.

Should Zuccarello opt to stay in Dallas that alone would make this a great deal. As far as Dallas winning 2 rounds, it isn’t probable, but you never know.

Trade Review:

This is an ok deal with the potential to be excellent.